Deadline Approaches for ISPE Drug Shortage Survey

TAMPA, Fla., March 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ISPE announced today that the deadline is approaching for pharmaceutical professionals and companies to participate in the Society's global survey on drug shortages. Responses to the survey are due by 20 March 2013.

ISPE initially announced the survey in mid-February as part of its Drug Shortage Initiative, a global effort led by a task force of industry leaders with review and input by leading global health authorities and related organizations. ISPE launched this initiative in support of the pharmaceutical industry and global health authorities' efforts to understand and address the complex and critical issue of drug shortages. The survey is designed to collect data on the technical, scientific, manufacturing, quality and compliance issues that may have resulted in drug shortages.

"We are reaching out to pharmaceutical professionals and ISPE Members who have had experience dealing with technical, quality and manufacturing issues related to drug shortages, as well as those who have worked to avoid a shortage or who have never experienced a shortage but have been personally affected by a shortage situation," said ISPE President and CEO Nancy S. Berg. "This much-needed technical data will yield new insights into a critical global health issue."

ISPE is encouraging responses from both individuals and companies. Survey responses will be completely anonymous, and all data will be tabulated by a third-party firm. Results are expected to be announced and discussed at ISPE's Redefining the "C" in "CGMP" Conference in Baltimore, Md. USA, 11 – 13 June 2013.

ISPE, the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering, is the world's largest not-for-profit association serving its Members through leading scientific, technical and regulatory advancement throughout the entire pharmaceutical lifecycle. The 20,000 Members of ISPE are building solutions in the development and manufacture of safe and effective pharmaceutical and biologic medicines and medical delivery devices in more than 90 countries around the world. Founded in 1980, ISPE has its worldwide headquarters in Tampa, Florida, USA and offices in Brussels, Belgium, Singapore and Shanghai, China. Visit www.ISPE.org for more information.